Batteries Lead Acid vs AGM

Is it cool to call a battery a "jar."

For me, much of this depended on battery bank accessibility. My battery bank is not very accessible and does not pull out. My coach came OEM equipped with 2 8D GEL batteries. When they had almost died, I looked at the different options, GEL, AGM and wet cells. The AGM (Deka 8D) won out because their charging requirements were almost comparable with wet cells, and they did not require the regular maintenance of wet cells. My chassis batteries are now sealed VRLA wet cells. It came OEM equipped with AGM Optima batteries. It was just a matter of switching the charger over to the AGM/wet cell function and off the GEL position. I love the ability to dry park and not have to charge up the next morning. My old GELs would not get me through the night when operating the heater. Now I can get through two nights easily while operating the furnace and my cpac and lights and even use the computer. And my alternator is not set up like a truck's alternator. It has a 4th wire, a sensing circuit wire.

Here is a really good read about GEL, AGM, and wet cell batteries: http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/1927.pdf

2oldman wrote:

bluwtr49 wrote:
Personally, I don't see the any advantage of AGM batteries that can justify the extra expense.

I sure do in my truck. After 8 years of LA batteries my cables were getting corroded. AGM put a stop to that right now. And they seem to have more kick to them when starting the 7.3L.

I'll get AGMs for the 5er when my LA's go because I don't care about justifying expenses, or want to install watering systems or water at all. Cute line about having power when you're on your side.

Two differences though. You are talking about starting batteries and yes, the AGM will provide a more robust cranking current but starting batteries are different than house applications.

Second is that the charging system on a truck is via an alternator not a sophisticated inverter/charge that has temperature compensation.

This is sort of a apples and oranges comparison.

A side point is that I do use an AGM in my Diesel Liberty and am satisfied with it in that application.

Hi harold,

As usual you answered the question you wished had been asked. I'll repeat it for you.

How do you desulphate an AGM format jar without causing gassing of the (limited) electrolyte.

(you could answer I don't know, if you do not know.)

bluwtr49 wrote:
Personally, I don't see the any advantage of AGM batteries that can justify the extra expense.

I sure do in my truck. After 8 years of LA batteries my cables were getting corroded. AGM put a stop to that right now. And they seem to have more kick to them when starting the 7.3L.

I'll get AGMs for the 5er when my LA's go because I don't care about justifying expenses, or want to install watering systems or water at all. Cute line about having power when you're on your side.

Personally, I don't see the any advantage of AGM batteries that can justify the extra expense. Yeh, there may be some benefit that will, in some limited circumstance, have a return but IMHO they are limited.

The AGM will work in any position so if your MH happens to be on it's side or roof, you will still have power.

A well maintained flooded cell with last just as long as an AGM (I got 9 years from the interstates) and with modern inverter/chargers water addition is pretty much a think of the past.

I just install a battery watering system that eliminates opening the caps and also recombined the gasses. End result, no mess, no corrosion, and adding water is a 1 minute operation.

Since most of the AGM toted advantages are more marketing hype than reality....I'll stick to the flooded cell.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Harold,

I'll regret this (probably).

How do you desulphate an AGM format jar without causing gassing of the (limited) electrolyte.

If it is not allowed to sulphate in the first place, there is no need to desulphate. Its called proper charging and maintenance. Failure to do so is the cause to have to fix what one screwed up. There is no need for regret if batteries are properly cared for.:S
I have been using betteries for over 40 years of rving and have never needed to desulphate or destratify. Over 20 years of that I have used AGMs and have never had to replace one before its normal life expectancy.
How many years of actual experience do you have with AGM batteries? :BYou seem to regret making statements quite often, maybe refraining from making bad comments would cure that.:S

Sulphation and stratification are both easily preventable situations.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Whats your point??????

Hi Harold,

I'll regret this (probably).

How do you desulphate an AGM format jar without causing gassing of the (limited) electrolyte.

I might also add that sulfation and stratification have nothing to do with the type of battery. It is absolutly caused by the user failing to properly maintain the batteries, allowing them to sit at 50% SOC or less, and is the main reason for early failure of any battery.

Not just Lifeline. My Optima AGMs charge MUCH faster than did my lead acid batteries.